Isolcell Partners with GF Piping Systems for Low-Maintenance AC System Installation in Switzerland

Controlled atmosphere storage naturally extends the shelf life of agricultural products. Based in Neukirch, Switzerland, Hungerbühler Fruit Farming sought to minimize maintenance requirements in the cooling system of their new fruit storage facility. To accomplish this, they relied on Isolcell and GF Piping Systems, leading to a significant milestone.

Marco Gobetti, Project Manager at Isolcell, comments:

"Isolcell, founded in 1958, is a leader in the field of controlled atmosphere storage. In this project, we installed 15 controlled atmosphere cells to store approximately 130 tons of fruit. We have a cooling capacity of 300 kW, using an indirect cooling system that employs both CO2 and 33% propylene glycol. The primary purpose of this system is to naturally maintain and preserve the fruit over an extended period."

To achieve this, Isolcell trusted GF Piping Systems' Cool-Fit system for the installation of piping systems in this warehouse and the training of the installation personnel. Francesco Fiorese, Area Sales Manager at GF Piping Systems, explains:

"Cool-fit is a fully pre-insulated piping system, which in this case, has been used for the transport of cold water within an industrial refrigeration chamber. To accomplish this, we've used 600 linear meters of pipes and around 100 changes in direction. This system enables reducing future maintenance costs. We estimate an energy saving of around €1000 per year compared to the previously estimated solution."

Marco Gobetti adds:

"The use of a completely corrosion-free and thermally non-dispersive system allows us to meet our sustainability goals. For me and my company, sustainability has two main meanings: one is environmental, involving the pursuit of innovative and efficient solutions. The other is economic, involving forward-looking research and reduced costs."

Francesco Fiorese emphasizes:

"What I liked most but also found most challenging about this project was convincing all involved stakeholders of the benefits that Cool-fit offers both in terms of installation and energy savings."

Furthermore, Fiorese concludes:

"Another significant reason we are here today is that in this important project, the one-millionth meter of Cool-Fit has been sold."

With this project, Isolcell Storage Division has enhanced the energy savings of Hungerbühler Fruit Farming's storage facility, reducing future maintenance costs and achieving established sustainability goals.

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